I'm looking to switch from a pc to mac and i've been looking at the imac 24" and possibly the mac pro. The reviews that I've read on the apple web site aren't that great regarding the 23" monitors. Stating dead pixel issues and ghosting. Are there any similar issues with the 24"? The reviews on the Samsung 244t all seem to be pretty positive. The viewsonic vp2130b also gets good reviews. If the apple monitors aren't up to par with some of the other manufacutures I think i'm more inclined to go with the mac pro and one of the other manufacuters. Any thoughts would be helpful.
Regards, Owen
Here are a few reasons why I would go with the Mac Pro. Here are some problems associated with the iMac:
1.) If the monitor goes dead, you lose your entire computer while it's in for repairs.
2.) If you need to increase your hard disk size, you'll need to take the computer in for servicing.
3.) If a new HD optical reader/writer comes out, you'll have to fork out extra $$ to buy the external version.
4.) If you want to upgrade your video card - good luck.
The iMacs in my opinion were designed for someone who just wants to turn on the computer and use it for a few basic things, and that's it for the rest of their lives. If you are like me, and like to upgrade to new stuff, a Pro is definitely worth considering. I think you will be less trapped. If your monitor breaks down, just buy a new monitor. If your computer breaks and you have confidential stuff on your hard drive, remove the hard drive before you take it in for repairs. There are so many pluses to going with the Mac Pro. The negative about this computer is the cost. It's much more money than the iMac, but the iMac is more of an entry level machine. If you've been using computers for a while and want to customize things to your liking, you'll definitely need the Pro.
Currently, you can plug lots of expensive external things into the iMac, but you never know when a new type of connection will come along. First we had parallel and serial ports. Then we had USB ports, then USB2, now Firewire, and even a new brand of firewire! It's difficult to keep up with the changes. I find having a computer where you can install internal components yourself buys you a little more time.
By the time you spend the extra $$$ on the external drive(s), and everything else external, you may as well have purchased the Pro. It's more $$ up front, but will save you in the end.